What’s on: Artist David Appleyard’s latest work, Knottingley: Fire & Water, is a must see Yorkshire event this November

Discover the history, heritage and future of Knottingley is this marvellous free event

This November, artist David Appleyard and Wakefield Museums & Castles are celebrating the industrial heritage of Knottingley with an innovative community art event.

Knottingley: Fire & Water is a free event taking place on Wednesday 23rd November. Visitors can see some of Knottingley’s iconic industrial buildings illuminated with colour and historic photographs, explore what Knottingley means to local people, and enjoy free refreshments and entertainment.

Step-by-step timings

The event starts at 5pm at Knottingley Town Hall, which will be illuminated with colour. Here, visitors can explore responses of local people to the question ‘What does Knottingley mean to you?’, before leaving their own responses. From here, visitors can make their way along Weeland Road, where they will see the Allied Glass and Stoelzle Flaconnage factories illuminated across the canal.

This free event is a must-see moment – save the date

From 5.45pm, visitors can see historic industrial photographs projected onto the Stoelzle Flaconnage Old Vicarage building, whilst enjoying free refreshments and being entertained by Knottingley Silver Band. Those who wish to can walk down to view the illuminated Allied Glass factory up close. The event will end at 8pm.

Community based event

The Knottingley: Fire & Water event is the culmination of a seven-month project. Yorkshire-based contemporary artist David Appleyard has worked closely with local residents in Knottingley, including community groups, independent living schemes and school children, to create an artwork that celebrates the glassmaking and shipbuilding industries in the town and reflects Knottingley as it is today. David has been inspired by the collections of Wakefield Museums & Castles, as well as the stories, memories, and opinions of local people.

Warm welcome to all

Councillor Michael Graham, portfolio holder for Arts, Culture & Leisure for Wakefield Council, said: “It has been wonderful to see how this project has developed over the past seven months, with the input of more than 200 local residents, into this exciting and innovative event. We hope every resident of Knottingley will join us to explore how the town has been shaped by the important industries of glassmaking and shipbuilding.”

Artist’s point of view

David Appleyard said: “What a pleasure it has been to immerse myself in the Knottingley community since April, to learn about the heritage, and to listen to the good, the bad and the unique aspects of this town.

“This event is intended to bring the community together for an evening of celebration, reflection, and strong community spirit, along with some moments of wonder as these incredible industrial buildings are lit up.”

The Knottingley: Fire & Water project has been commissioned by Wakefield Museums & Castles and funded by Arts Council England. It has been generously supported by Stoelzle Flaconnage, Allied Glass, Morrisons, the Knottingley Community Shop, the Rockware Club, the Kellingley Club, the Addy, and St Botolph’s Primary School.

The event is part of the wider Light Up festival, delivered by Wakefield Council across the district. Details of all Light Up events are at experiencewakefield.co.uk/event/light-up/